Modi government takes four major decisions in Cabinet meeting, two railway projects approved

New Delhi: A Cabinet Committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, major decisions were taken regarding rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing, the expansion of the Pune Metro, the doubling of the Devbhoomi Dwarka (Okha)-Kanalus railway line, and the third and fourth Badlapur-Karjat railway lines. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the ₹7,280 crore “Scheme for Promotion of Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Manufacturing.”

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that this first-of-its-kind initiative aims to establish an integrated rare earth permanent magnet (REPM) manufacturing facility of 6,000 metric tons per annum (MTPA) in India. This will enhance self-reliance and position India as a significant player in the global REPM market.

The total outlay for this scheme is ₹7,280 crore. This includes a sales-linked incentive of ₹6,450 crore on REPM sales for five (5) years and a capital subsidy of ₹750 crore for setting up REPM manufacturing facilities totaling 6,000 MTPA.

Pune Metro to Expand
Pune’s public transport network is set to receive another major boost. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Line 4 (Khardi–Hadapsar–Swargate–Khadakwasla) and Line 4A (Nal Stop–Warje–Manik Bagh) under Phase 2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project. This is the second major project approved under Phase 2, following the approval of Line 2A (Vanaj–Chandni Chowk) and Line 2B (Ramwadi–Wagholi/Vitthalwadi).

The total length of the line will be 31,636 km, with 28 elevated stations. Lines 4 and 4A will connect IT hubs, commercial zones, educational institutions, and residential clusters in East, South, and West Pune. The project will be completed over five years, at an estimated cost of ₹9,857.85 crore, funded jointly by the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and external bilateral/multilateral funding agencies.

These lines are an essential part of Pune’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) and will seamlessly connect with the operational and approved corridors at Kharadi Bypass and Nal Stop (Line 2), and Swargate (Line 1).

Two Railway Projects Approved
The Cabinet meeting approved two Railway Ministry projects with a total cost of ₹2,781 crore (approximately). These projects include: Devbhoomi Dwarka (Okha) – Kanalus Doubling – 141 km; Badlapur – Karjat Third and Fourth Lines – 32 km. The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility. This will improve the operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways.

These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and reduce congestion. These projects are in line with PM Modi’s vision of a New India. They will make the region’s people ‘self-reliant’ through comprehensive development, increasing employment and self-employment opportunities. The projects are planned in accordance with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan and will provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services.

These two projects, covering four districts in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, will expand Indian Railways’ existing network by approximately 224 km. The approved multi-tracking projects will improve connectivity to approximately 585 villages, with a population of approximately 3.2 million.

The approved doubling of the line from Kanalus to Okha (Devbhoomi Dwarka) will provide improved connectivity to the Dwarkadhish Temple. This will facilitate access to key pilgrimage sites and promote all-round development of the Saurashtra region. The Badlapur-Karjat section is part of the Mumbai Suburban Corridor. The third and fourth line projects will improve connectivity in Mumbai suburban areas and meet the future needs of commuters as well as provide connectivity to South India.